Do What You Say You’re Going to Do

Do you mean what you say? When you tell someone that you’re going to do something, do you do it? Or, do you not do it?

We’ve all had experiences where someone says they’re going to do something and then they don’t. It could be that they’re going to call, but they don’t. Or, they’re going to finish a project by a certain date and time, but they don’t. Or, they’re going to send a referral, but they don’t.

As a business leader, follow-through is an important quality to develop. Because what you actually do matters more than what you say you’re going to do.

You may promise to do things – on time, under budget, etc. – but if you don’t deliver on what you promise, how do think that will make others feel? They may be mad, disappointed or feel like they’ve been manipulated.

If you often don’t do the things that you say you’re going to do, you’re likely setting your business up for failure. Remember: People want to do business with people that they like and trust. And if they can’t trust you to do what you say you’re going to do, then do you think they will want to continue to do business with you? Probably not!

Relationships thrive on trust and respect. When others feel like they can’t trust you because you’re too unreliable, their respect for you will be diminished. And when that happens, they will likely go elsewhere.

It’s the actual follow-through of doing what you say you’re going to do that creates lasting success.

Here are three steps to help you actually do what you say you’re going to do.

1. Only say “yes” to those things you are sure you can do. Don’t agree or promise to do something unless you’re 100% sure you can do it.
2. Put it on your calendar and set reminders, if needed. Make sure to include enough time in your schedule for setbacks and other things that can throw you off-course.
3. Break bigger projects into smaller tasks and set a completion date for each task. By breaking down big projects into reasonable and doable pieces, you’ll be more likely to do them.

Of course, sometimes things can happen beyond your control. When that occurs, own up to it – don’t make excuses. Be honest and offer to make it right with the other person.

So, the next time, you say you’re going to do something, remember the Nike slogan and “Just do it!” By doing what you say you’re going to do, you’re showing others that you respect their time and value. And that can go a long way to building successful business relationships.

To your success!

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B^{3 –} Be Bold, Brilliant and Boundless!